AC 2338 - The Two Sides of Temptations

AC 2338

. . . temptations are attended with doubt

in regard to the Lord's presence and mercy,

and also in regard to salvation.

The evil spirits who are then with the man

and induce the temptation

strongly inspire negation,

but the good spirits and angels from the Lord

in every possible way dispel this state of doubt,

and keep the man in a state of hope,

and at last confirm him in what is affirmative.

The result is that a man who is in temptation

hangs between what is negative and what is affirmative.

One who yields in temptation

remains in a state of doubt,

and falls into what is negative;

but one who overcomes is indeed in doubt,

but still, if he suffers himself to be cheered by hope,

he stands fast in what is affirmative.